1. Major Christian Denominations
An Introduction

2. What is a denomination?
The word denomination refers to an identifiable sub-group within a particular religion.

3. Denominations in Australia
Catholics make up 26.6% of the Australian population
Most follow the Roman rite but a minority follow the Eastern rites (still in line with the Holy See in Rome)
These include Maronites, Melkites and Chaldaeans
In line from the original Apostolic Church
Current leader, Pope Benedict XVI is successor of St Peter whom Jesus placed in charge of the Church.
1.196 billion Catholics around the world!

4. Denominations in Australia
Anglicans make up 20.7% of Australia’s population
This Church was founded during the Reformation in England under the influence of King Henry VIII
Henry threw away Papal rule and made himself the ruler of his own Church
It was the first Christian Church established in Australia (because of it’s links to England)

5. Denominations in Australia
Anglicans make up a wide variety of members and hold a broad spectrum (varying) of views on all sorts of issues.
Every four years the hierarchy of clergy have a meeting, known as the General Synod.
This is presided over by the Anglican Archbishop; also known as the Archbishop of Canterbury
Acknowledge Baptism and Eucharist as the two great sacraments but others seen as ‘sacramental ministries of grace’

6. Denominations in Australia
Protestant Churches
This is an ‘umbrella’ term for the various denominations that trace their heritage to the Protestant Reformation.
Examples of Protestant Churches include:
Uniting Church
Baptist Church
Presbyterian
Pentecostal (Hillsong is a Pentecostal church)

7. Denominations in Australia
Uniting Church in Australia
Was formed in 1977 after the majority of people from three different denominations came together
Congregationalists, Methodists and Presbyterians were the denominations
They make up 6.7% of Australia’s population
Baptism and Holy Communion celebrated as sacraments

8. Denominations in Australia
Presbyterians make up 3.4% of Australia’s population
Trace their heritage back to 16th century reformers Zwingli, Calvin and Knox (all part of the Reformation)
Observe Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (generally, Holy Communion is celebrated four times a year)
Their worship (mass) involves a variety of practices and can vary but has a set form for sacraments such as weddings or funerals.

9. Denominations in Australia
Baptists make up 1.6% of Australia’s population
Have a large presence in parts of the United States
Emerged from England in 1609
Baptism and Communion are recognised as religious rituals but are not seen as sacraments
Worship tends to be informal with non- structure services in mass. Main emphasis on preaching
Each Church is seen as being independent but coordinated by a Superintendent (in charge of a state)

10. Denominations in Australia
Lutheran Church makes up 1.3% of Australia’s population
Established in Germany under the influence of Martin Luther during the Reformation
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two sacraments celebrated
The Book of Concord and the Bible form the basis of worship
Organised into parishes, zones and districts

11. Denominations in Australia
Eastern Orthodox Churches make up 2.8% of the Australian population.
Examples include Coptic Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Lebanese Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox etc.
Trace their heritage back to the Apostolic Church and continue to practice ancient liturgical and spiritual traditions
Share much in common with the Catholic Church but are separated by some differences in key beliefs
Priests may marry or remain single, but those who do not marry are usually expected to become monks before their ordination

12. Ecumenism
Ecumenism refers to relations between different Christian churches who are working towards unity and reunion.
Pope John Paul II in wrote a encyclical (special document) titled ‘That All May Be One’ which emphasizes that ecumenism “is an organic part of the Church’s life and work…”

13. Ecumenism
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the official text of the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Even within the Catechism it states clearly certain requirements crucial to ecumenism:
Renewal of our own Church
Dialogue with other churches
Sharing in prayer together
Cooperation between Christians in service to society
Knowledge of other Christian churches